One year ago, the Council of Europe, in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), initiated a comprehensive programme “To strengthen the democratic citizenship education in Albania” based on the best Council of Europe standards and practices. To make an account of the progress achieved thus far and define the way forward, the programme’s partners, stakeholders and key actors in the field, get together on 27^th January, in its second Steering Committee meeting.

They welcomed the sustainable contribution of the Council of Europe in the process of improving the quality of education in Albania and emphasised its important role in the development of the new Education Strategy. Participants tackled the importance of the comprehensive, transparent and targeted approach, with particular focus on inclusiveness, gender streamlining, networking, co-operation with civil society and growing importance of digital education, in view of the current pandemic situation.

Some of the key highlights discussed in the event concern, the comprehensive reviews on citizenship education guiding the policies and actions in the field, the national videoconference focusing on the challenges of citizenship education in Albania, the establishment of the Teachers Network and relevant publications for teachers, pupils and parents.

Finally, the Steering Committee members approved the annual report for 2020 as well as the workplan for 2021 expressing their strong support in continuing and adapting project activities which ensure concrete support for lasting change for the citizens of Albania.

The project "Strengthening Democratic Citizenship Education in Albania" is implemented by Council of Europe and funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).